Folding e-Bikes hold at the center of the frame and the steerer tube near the handlebars. Some models even have folding pedals and integrated stands or wheels to facilitate propping the bike up or rolling it when folded.
Folding Electric Bike vs Regular E-Bike: Which One is Right for You?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | July 5, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Folding e-Bikes promise unmatched convenience— but are they really worth the hype, or just a clever design with limited real-world benefit?
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
My hot take is that folding electric bikes are (potentially) overrated. But if that sounds too spicy, I can tone it down and argue instead that they’re often over-marketed and hyped up to the average rider— or are perhaps simply misunderstood. Let’s take a look at how these origami models differ from regular electric bikes and the smaller niche of cyclists who can really benefit from owning a folding e-Bike.
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Folding e-Bike vs. normal e-Bike
Folding e-Bikes are electric bicycles designed to compactly fold for easier storage and transport. They usually feature hinges in the middle of the frame and near the handlebars, allowing the bike to collapse into a more manageable size. To maximize space efficiency, these bikes often include smaller wheels, foldable pedals, and built-in stands to keep them upright when folded.
There are two unofficial types of folding e-Bikes. The more affordable models from the likes of Lectric, Rad Power, and Aventon can be quite heavy and come with entry-level parts. These bikes can fit inside cars for easy transport, but aren’t as portable because of their weight. Some folding models actually weigh more than their full-sized e-Bike counterparts because of the added hinges and frame tweaks.
Then there are premium lightweight models from brands like Brompton and Dahon, which are much more portable and compact. Brompton folding e-Bikes, for example, are designed to be rolled when folding with the help of small rollers on the frame to facilitate getting around train stations.
They’re foldable but not necessarily effortless
The main thing that makes folding e-Bikes less compact and portable than their non-motorized versions is their weight. The addition of a motor and battery pack adds a significant amount of mass to the bike. That extra heft makes it impractical (or impossible) to carry the bike up stairs, into the subway, or on a bus. Also, it’s more difficult to collapse the bike down since you have to move so much weight around at the folding hinges.
While folding e-Bikes can— of course— fold, they’re not the silver bullet solution you may be expecting. There are a few slim, lightweight models that are still quite portable, but folding e-Bikes are mostly designed to be able to fit inside a car for transport or fit into specific spaces for storage. I’ve heard many riders tell me that they actually rarely fold their bike up, or at least much less often than they expected to when they bought it, likely because it’s not as handy a feature for them in the end.
While folding e-Bikes can— of course— fold, they’re not the silver bullet solution you may be expecting. There are a few slim, lightweight models that are still quite portable, but folding e-Bikes are mostly designed to be able to fit inside a car for transport or fit into specific spaces for storage. I’ve heard many riders tell me that they actually rarely fold their bike up, or at least much less often than they expected to when they bought it, likely because it’s not as handy a feature for them in the end.
What folding e-Bikes are great for
Despite my cynical preface, there are a few things that folding electric bikes are great for. For example, the folding mechanism allows you to fit the bike into the trunk of a car for easier, rack-free transport. Many e-Bikes weigh too much for regular car bike racks, so if you frequently transport your bike via car, folding e-Bikes can be a win and save you the hassle of buying and installing an e-Bike-specific rack.
Folding e-Bikes can save you space when you store the bike. They fold down into a more cube-ish shape instead of the standard profile of a full-sized bike, which may work better for your home, garage, or office. If you want to carry your e-Bike inside your car or have the right storage spot in mind, a folding e-Bike may be the perfect fit.
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What folding electric bikes are not so good for
In my eyes, there are limits to what folding e-Bikes can do, or at least what they can do best. These electrified versions of folding bikes aren’t as easy to carry onto the train or bus for multimodal transit because of their extra weight and larger size. The image of quickly collapsing down the bike, rolling it through the train station, and hopping onto the train with a small folded bike is more fiction than fact for most models.
Additionally, many lower-end models can weigh up to 70 pounds— not so practical to carry up stairs either. Even lighter e-Bikes are difficult to carry because of the awkward shape of a folded bike, designed more for compact storage than convenient carrying up stairs or through narrow train corridors.
Folding e-Bikes: pros & cons
Pros
- Fits easily in car trunks—no need for a bike rack
- Compact storage in small apartments or offices
- Convenient for occasional space-limited situations
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than you might expect
- Not ideal for public transit or stairs
- Can be heavier or lower-specced than regular e-Bikes at the same price
What’s right for you?
Are folding electric bikes worth it? If you frequently transport your bike in your car or have a storage spot in mind that fits a folded bike well, this style of bike will do you some good. If not, you may be better off with a full-sized commuter e-Bikethat’s lighter and provides a more comfortable ride. The folding functionality can be tempting, but think about how you will be using your bike to get the most enjoyment from your next electric bike!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fold an electric bike?
How much do e-Bikes weigh?
Most standard e-Bikes weigh between 20 and 25 kilograms, or around 45 to 55 pounds. Performance-oriented e-MTBs are on the lighter side despite the added suspension, ranging from 15 to 28 kilograms. Folding e-Bikes designed for commuters usually weigh around 20 kilograms for portability. On the heavier end, electric cargo bikes tip the scales at up to 40 kilograms.
What is the warranty on Upway bikes?
Upway offers a one-year limited warranty on all its e-Bikes that covers mechanical and electrical defects. We also provide guaranteed delivery and will compensate as warranted in the rare case of any shipping damage.
Key Takeaways
- Portability ≠ Lightweight: Most folding e-Bikes are still heavy due to motors and batteries, making them tough to carry or lift.
- Great for Car Transport: Folding models are ideal if you regularly travel with your bike in a car but don’t want to invest in a heavy-duty rack.
- Use Case Matters: If you rarely need to fold your bike or prioritize comfort and performance, a traditional e-Bike may serve you better.
